Police officers have earned a bad reputation in some circles. It’s no secret that officers make mistakes and sometimes even do bad things intentionally. Some people, especially those directly impacted, can’t see past these isolated incidents and choose to view the profession as a whole in a bad light. While it’s understandable, it’s not accurate or fair.
Despite the growing anti-police rhetoric, most police officers aren’t bad guys and don’t deserve to be lumped in with the few bad apples. This is something the National Police Association is committed to changing. As a non-profit organization, they actively work to support LEOs in the courts and in the public eye. Slowly, but surely, they’re transforming the way people view the profession for the better.
Not all police officers are bad
This sounds obvious, but it needs to be said. Not all police officers are bad. Yes, there are some who act carelessly, recklessly, and cause harm as a result of negligent actions. However, you’ll find this in just about any profession. Human beings aren’t perfect and that imperfection is found everywhere. In every industry, you’ll find a handful of people who shouldn’t be working with the public in any capacity.
Law enforcement, in particular, tends to attract people with an unhealthy need to exert power over others. There are systems in place to identify this attitude, but it’s not perfect and people do slip through the cracks.
Sometimes these people are obviously unfit for the job and won’t make it out of the Academy. However, others go unnoticed until it’s too late. You can’t really blame an entire profession for what these individuals do. They are not the majority of law enforcement officers.
With that said, let’s look at all the positive things police do for society to see why they’re so necessary.
What do police contribute to our society?
Police officers contribute a lot to our society, and they deserve to be credited for their hard work and dedication.
Not only are officers on standby for when people need them to intervene in a domestic dispute or crime in progress, but they also take the time to connect with people out in the world. For example, you’ll find police doing the following:
· Connecting with high school kids to answer questions or just be a positive presence.
· Checking on people who look like they might need help.
· Responding to emergencies even when off-duty.
· Removing intoxicated persons from situations where they might cause harm to themselves or others.
· Talking people out of suicide.
· Holding and comforting babies while their parents are detained or arrested.
· Helping people look for a lost pet.
· Changing a tire for a stuck motorist.
· Paying for a hotel for a family in need.
· Delivering groceries to older people who can’t leave the house.
· Buying gifts for kids so they can have a good Christmas.
· Dropping in at skate parks and basketball courts to play with kids.
· Entertaining little kids while their exhausted parents stand in line at the store.
While protecting the public is a priority, it’s equally important for cops to get involved in their community. When you see police officers showing empathy and compassion for people, that’s important, too. This is what fosters a more positive experience and perception of the profession as a whole.
Police officers are more than just badges
As you can see, police officers do more than just chase criminals. They integrate themselves into society as human beings who just want to connect with community members. They are just like everyone else, except they wear a uniform and carry a badge and a gun. At the end of the day, they take off their shoes just like everyone else and spend time relaxing with their family and friends.
Cops can be intimidating, especially to people who have a more rebellious side and fear being told what to do, but the majority of cops aren’t out to get people. They’ve taken on the role of an LEO in order to serve society and help keep communities safe. There will always be bad apples in every bunch, but the majority of cops have good intentions and do their jobs well. Cops need our support just as much as we need theirs.
